Ashley A  
Instruments: Flute, Piccolo
Styles: Classical, Opera, Marching Band, Avant-garde

For over 6 years now, I have been teaching flute within different contexts. Some of the most meaningful teaching experiences I have had have taught me about the unique relationship we each have with the art of music. Private lessons have provided an outlet to encourage and guide individuals based on their needs; educational outreach concerts have given me the opportunity to address easy and complex subjects according to the audience in front of me; masterclasses have given me the opportunity to help individuals gain a strong sense of confidence from a foundation of understanding while nurturing the audience's curiosity regarding music; and working as a Teaching Artist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra has brought all these elements of teaching and learning to a brand new level that has only strengthened my foundation as a teacher. Teaching is something I love because it gives those seeking to grow, learn and understand an opportunity to experience their own potential. There is no greater reward than to witness students recognizing their own potential for themselves!

For beginning students I typically use Trevor Wye Book for Beginners along with Suzuki Book 1. Once sufficient progress has been made, I move on to the Marcel Moyse tone exercise as well as two octave scales and arpeggios paired with intermediate solo repertoire that focuses on tone development, musical phrasing, and musical style. This is all geared to prepare the student to perform with understanding versus pure technique. For young adults and adults, I work from the goals each want to achieve while also implementing traditional teaching materials that solidify the musical training. Overall, all music, etudes, and techniques used in class is to enable the student to play music from a musical basis as well as from a solid foundation of understanding.